David Cameron has started to retreat over the Maria Miller expenses scandal, accepting that the disciplinary system that spared her is flawed and should be shaken up.

In the face of mounting political pressure, the Prime Minister has backed down and signalled he is prepared to back changes to the Standards Committee.

The committee last week overruled the independent Standards Commissioner, who wanted Mrs Miller to repay more than £40,000 in Commons allowances.

The committee is made up of MPs and lay members, but the lay members do not get to vote. Its handling of the Miller case has led to calls from across the political spectrum for the committee system to be changed.